Could US Leaders Face War Crimes Charges?

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In summary, The article discusses the concept of 'Command Responsibility' and its use in holding political and military leaders accountable for war crimes committed by those under their control. It also mentions how this principle was used in the Nuremberg tribunals and later refined by American initiatives for international tribunals. The conversation then shifts to discussing the Abu Ghraib scandal and the role of higher level officials in the abuse. The article raises questions about whether this abuse was part of a deliberate policy and the responsibility of those in charge. The conversation ends with the mention of the Department of Defense's investigation and prosecution of soldiers involved in the scandal.
  • #1
amp
Is the title of a New York Times op-ed article(NY Times 10 June 2004) by J. D. Tepperman. In the article he raises the prospect of liability via the doctrine of 'Command Responsibility' a standard that is a US initiative devised for the Nuremberg tribunals, "it was a means to impute responsibility to Nazi leaders, who often communicated indirectly and avoided leaving a paper trail." He goes on to say "the principle was fine-tuned by two other American creations: the international tribunals for Yugoslavia and Rwanda, which were established by the UN Security Council at the United States behest. ...political and military leaders can be found liable for war crimes committed by those under their 'effective control' if they do nothing to prevent them."

The claims that Rummy and other Pentagon officials didn't know was contradicted by the officer formerly in charge of Abu Ghraib. And the Red Cross documented widespread abuses and raised them with the White House in January, the article goes on to say the abuses appeared to be part of an explicit policy of coercive interrogation. In light of this, what do you think?
 
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I think that the DOD was already investigating this at the beginning of the year and as a result of the investigation, is now prosecuting thereby effectively taking actions to further prevent them.
 
  • #3
Prosecuting who? The soldiers who were just following orders.
 
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1. What is "An American in the Hague"?

"An American in the Hague" is a phrase that refers to an American citizen living or visiting The Hague, which is the third largest city in the Netherlands and is known as a hub for international law and politics.

2. Why is The Hague important for international law?

The Hague is home to several international courts and tribunals, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. This makes it a crucial location for resolving disputes and upholding international law.

3. What is the significance of The Hague for the United States?

The United States has a strong presence in The Hague through its embassy and various international organizations, such as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the International Criminal Court. The city also played a significant role in the establishment of the United Nations.

4. What is the history of The Hague?

The Hague has a long and rich history, dating back to the 13th century. It has served as the residence of the Dutch royal family, a center for international trade, and a haven for artists and intellectuals. It has also played a major role in many important events, including the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, which ended the Thirty Years' War.

5. What can visitors expect to see and do in The Hague?

The Hague offers a variety of attractions, from historical sites like the Binnenhof (the Dutch parliament) and the Peace Palace, to art museums, beautiful parks, and a vibrant food and nightlife scene. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the international courts and learn about the city's role in promoting peace and justice on a global scale.

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